Apps in the Play Store’s Top 50 That Request the Most “Dangerous Permissions”
According to findings from Cybernews, the app leading the charge in terms of “dangerous” permissions is MyJio, a platform utilized by Jio customers in India for account management. In addition to its core functionalities, MyJio provides payment services and access to a variety of entertainment options, including music, video, and games. The research indicates that MyJio requests a staggering 29 dangerous permissions, encompassing areas such as location, activity recognition, camera, microphone, and file access.
Following closely is WhatsApp, which asks for 26 dangerous permissions. Here, the permissions align closely with the app’s features, which include messaging, video calling, and geolocation sharing. Another notable mention is Truecaller: Caller ID & Block, which requires access to manage calls, as users can designate it as their primary call dialer.
Google Messages and WhatsApp for Business share the fourth spot, each requesting 26 dangerous permissions, while Facebook rounds out the top five with a request for 22. Interestingly, a cluster of Meta apps—including Instagram, Facebook Lite, and Messenger—follows closely behind, each seeking 19 dangerous permissions.
In contrast, games tend to demand fewer dangerous permissions. Among Us, a popular title in the Play Store’s top 50, does not request any dangerous permissions, while other games like Candy Crush Saga and 8 Ball Pool require only one or two.
“Dangerous Permissions” Access Is Often Necessary, But Be Careful
Cybernews categorizes “dangerous” permissions as those that grant access to critical device components, such as internal storage, location, microphone, and camera, as well as notification access. Security researcher Mantas Kasiliauskis warns that malicious applications could exploit these permissions to inundate users with unwanted ads, phishing attempts, or misinformation. Notably, notification access emerges as the most frequently requested permission among the top 50 apps, followed closely by access to internal storage for reading or writing data.
The report encourages users to scrutinize the permissions granted to their applications and to revoke any that seem excessive. Thankfully, modern Android versions provide options for one-time access to key permissions like location, camera, and microphone, along with a “limited access” setting for internal storage. In navigating this complex permissions landscape, exercising common sense remains an essential strategy for safeguarding personal data and ensuring a secure app experience.